I believe in deeper meanings. We should understand that there is more to life than what is presented in front of us. We must be sanguine towards life’s obstacles, and intent on allowing ourselves to see the bigger picture of every situation. We can all agree that medicine saves lives, but so does poetry. So does a single verse - sentence - that cuts deep into our emotions. An answer to a prayer can be found in a really good book. For some people, life fulfillment derives from hardcore facts presented in textbooks. Learning how to examine something scientifically. And this an amazing path to travel. However, for others like myself, total excitement is found a lick of the finger away on the next page of a novel. It’s found deep within literature that consists of thousands of interpretations. I believe in deeper meanings.

Currently attending my Sophomore year of pursuing an English Degree, I tend to get the same question from everyone I encounter: “Oh, so you want to be an English teacher?” Yes, becoming an English instructor is one career choice I could consider. However, it’s by far not the only one. Also, a degree in Humanities elicits an assumption that it will be hard to make any money. I mean, don’t you agree that it will be easier to thrive in this world knowing the anatomy of a human as opposed to underlying themes in Shakespeare’s works? Not necessarily.

In any job, communication skills are key. In a recent survey conducted by Pew Research Center, it was asked what skill is most necessary to succeed in life. The options included communication, reading, math, teamwork, writing, logic, science, etc. According to the results, 90% said that communication is the most crucial skill to master. Why is this? Realistically, effective communication skills will be necessary in every area of work you encounter. Whether this involves a simple interview, body language, or sharing information through things visually or vocally. It all matters. Also, according to a 2010 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), “communication skills are ranked first among a job candidate’s ‘must have’ skills and qualities.”

Also, when I earn my English degree, I will have potent critical thinking skills. The beauty of this skill is that it doesn’t only apply to writing or literature. It applies to so many other professions as well. For example, in business, critical thinking “helps employees gather all of the information required to analyze a situation, generate optimal solutions to a problem and get feedback from all the people involved in the situation,” according to Nicole Fallon, an editor for Business News Daily. The ability to analyze a problem before making rash decisions is principal in any professional setting.

A rather bold culmination I’d like to express is that English majors have a huge advantage when entering the workforce. We have the ability to write, edit, problem-solve, analyze, critically think, communicate, and the list goes on! We will be able to understand that not everything is black and white. We will be quick in noticing when color shines through in situations where the answer to something is not always obvious. In other words, I believe my English degree will help me thrive in whichever career choice I settle on. And most importantly, the beauty of majoring in English is that I don’t have to know exactly what I want to do in the future. In this moment, I’m mastering the skills to attack so many different things. I could be an English teacher, but I could also work in finance. Critical thinking skills would help me exponentially when investing in industries and businesses. I am not exaggerating when I say the opportunities are literally endless.

I look forward to the day the misconception that an English degree will only prepare you to write or teach will be toppled. I anticipate that one day the major will become more popular and idealized. Mainly, I encourage people who embrace colors and three-dimensional thinking to consider an English degree. It prepares us for more than people seem to realize. And unless someone decides to isolate themselves from society for the rest of their lives, it’s not a waste of time at all.